Complications and Prognosis of Bile Duct Cancer
Cholangiocarcinoma often progresses quietly until it causes serious complications, which can affect multiple organs and lead to reduced quality of life. Early and ongoing management can help delay these complications. Read more about the complications and prognosis of bile duct cancer below.
Common complications include:
- Biliary obstruction
- Blockage of bile ducts leads to jaundice, infection (cholangitis), and liver failure.
- Treated with stents or bypass surgery.
- Infection
- Bile build-up can become infected, requiring antibiotics and urgent drainage.
- Bile build-up can become infected, requiring antibiotics and urgent drainage.
- Liver failure
- Advanced tumours reduce liver function over time.
- Advanced tumours reduce liver function over time.
- Digestive issues
- Poor fat absorption leads to weight loss, diarrhoea, and vitamin deficiencies.
- Poor fat absorption leads to weight loss, diarrhoea, and vitamin deficiencies.
- Metastasis
- Spread to lungs, bones, or abdominal lining is common in advanced stages.
- Spread to lungs, bones, or abdominal lining is common in advanced stages.
- Side effects of treatment
- Chemotherapy can cause fatigue, nausea, and lowered immunity.
Prognosis:
- Early-stage, operable tumours: Up to 40% 5-year survival post-surgery.
- Unresectable or advanced cases: Median survival is 6–12 months with palliative chemo.
- Overall prognosis: Still poor, but improving with newer therapies and earlier detection.
In South Africa, late presentation and limited access to specialist care may worsen outcomes. However, early referral, supportive care, and palliative services can significantly improve quality of life.
Living with Bile Duct Cancer
Many patients benefit from multidisciplinary care involving surgeons, oncologists, palliative nurses, and dietitians — especially when supported by family and community.
👉 [Next: Living with Bile Duct Cancer – Support and Lifestyle]
